Role Overview for SVP, Head of Manufacturing with a Specialty Chemicals Co. – Baton Rouge, LA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, market-leading specialty chemicals company in their exclusive search for a transformative Senior Vice President (SVP), Head of Manufacturing. Based in the strategic chemical corridor of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, this executive leadership role is a career-defining opportunity to shape the future of a highly successful and innovative organization. Our client is renowned for its commitment to cutting-edge technology, sustainable practices, and delivering high-performance products that impact a wide range of global industries.
As the SVP, Head of Manufacturing, you will serve as a cornerstone of the executive leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer. You will hold ultimate responsibility for the entirety of the company’s manufacturing footprint, providing strategic direction, operational oversight, and inspirational leadership across multiple production facilities. This is not merely a role of oversight; it is one of transformation. You will be tasked with architecting and executing a world-class manufacturing strategy that sets new standards for safety, quality, efficiency, and profitability. Your vision will directly enable the company’s ambitious global growth objectives and solidify its position as an industry leader.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned and strategic manufacturing executive with a deep background in the specialty chemicals sector. You are a leader who champions a culture of zero-incident safety, drives operational excellence through a relentless pursuit of continuous improvement, and develops high-performing teams. This role demands a unique blend of technical mastery, financial acumen, and visionary leadership. You will be empowered to make a significant impact on the company’s culture, operational performance, and long-term success. If you are a results-oriented leader ready to take on the challenge of leading a complex, multi-site manufacturing organization to its next level of performance, we invite you to apply.
Key Responsibilities of SVP, Head of Manufacturing with a Specialty Chemicals Co. – Baton Rouge, LA
Strategic Manufacturing Leadership
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive, multi-year manufacturing strategy that aligns with and supports the company’s overall corporate objectives. Lead strategic initiatives including network optimization, capacity planning, and long-range capital investment to ensure a competitive advantage.
World-Class EHS&S Culture
Champion and enforce a culture of unwavering commitment to Environmental, Health, Safety, and Security (EHS&S). Drive the organization towards a zero-incident goal by establishing best-in-class policies, procedures, and behavioral-based safety programs. Ensure absolute compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including deep familiarity with standards such as OSHA’s Process Safety Management (PSM).
Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
Lead the deployment and maturation of a robust continuous improvement culture utilizing methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM). Drive key performance indicators (KPIs) including Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), First Pass Yield, On-Time-In-Full (OTIF) delivery, and conversion cost reduction.
P&L and Financial Stewardship
Assume full P&L responsibility for the manufacturing organization. Develop and manage multi-million dollar operational and capital budgets with rigorous discipline. Drive profitability through cost control, productivity improvements, and optimizing asset utilization. Prepare and present compelling business cases for significant capital expenditures.
Executive Leadership & Talent Development
Build, lead, mentor, and inspire a high-caliber manufacturing leadership team. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth. Implement robust succession planning and talent development programs to build a strong leadership pipeline for the future.
Uncompromising Quality Management
Uphold the highest standards of product quality and consistency. Oversee the entire quality assurance and quality control function within manufacturing, ensuring adherence to ISO standards and customer-specific requirements. Champion a proactive, preventative approach to quality, utilizing tools like root cause analysis to eliminate defects.
Large-Scale Capital Project Execution
Provide executive oversight for the entire lifecycle of major capital projects, from initial concept and feasibility studies through engineering, procurement, construction, and successful commissioning. Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget to meet strategic business needs.
Cross-Functional Collaboration and Partnership
Serve as a key strategic partner to other executive leaders. Collaborate closely with R&D on the seamless industrialization of new products, work with the Supply Chain team to optimize the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, and partner with the Commercial organization to ensure customer needs are met and exceeded.
Digital Transformation & Technology Integration
Drive the manufacturing organization’s digital transformation journey. Champion the evaluation and adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, including automation, IoT, advanced data analytics, and machine learning, to create ‘smart factories’ that are more efficient, predictive, and agile.
Requirements for the SVP, Head of Manufacturing with a Specialty Chemicals Co. – Baton Rouge, LA
Educational Foundation
A Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related technical field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred and considered a significant asset.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 20 years of progressive experience in chemical manufacturing operations, with at least 7-10 years in a senior executive leadership role (e.g., VP of Operations, Head of Manufacturing) with multi-site and P&L responsibility.
Deep Industry Expertise
Proven experience within the specialty chemicals, fine chemicals, petrochemicals, or a related complex process manufacturing industry is essential. Must have a strong background in environments governed by Process Safety Management (PSM).
Demonstrated Transformational Leadership
A verifiable track record of transforming manufacturing organizations, driving significant cultural change, and delivering measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost. Must be a servant leader capable of inspiring and motivating large, diverse teams.
Mastery of Continuous Improvement
Deep, practical expertise in implementing and sustaining Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma principles. Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification is highly desirable.
Exceptional Business and Financial Acumen
Strong command of financial statements, operational and capital budgeting, cost accounting, and ROI analysis. Experience managing budgets in excess of $100M is expected.
Superior Communication and Influence Skills
Executive presence with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely. Must be adept at influencing and presenting to a wide range of audiences, from shop floor employees to the Board of Directors.
Strategic Mindset
The ability to think beyond day-to-day operations, anticipate future trends, and develop long-term strategies to create a sustainable competitive advantage.
Location
Must be willing and able to be based in the Baton Rouge, LA area. The role will require a regular presence at manufacturing sites and may involve up to 25% travel.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation package, including:
- A highly competitive base salary commensurate with executive-level experience.
- A lucrative annual executive bonus program (Short-Term Incentive Plan) tied to company and individual performance.
- A significant Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), including equity grants (e.g., stock options, RSUs) to ensure alignment with long-term shareholder value.
- Comprehensive, premium health, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents.
- A robust 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match.
- A generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.
- A comprehensive, white-glove relocation package for the successful candidate and their family.
- Executive wellness programs and other ancillary benefits.
- Support for professional development, including executive coaching and continuing education.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been retained as the exclusive search firm for this critical executive position. We are seeking a visionary leader to make a lasting impact on a thriving organization. If you possess the required experience and leadership qualities to excel in this role, we encourage you to submit your resume and a cover letter for confidential consideration.
To apply, please use the application link on this page. For further inquiries or to learn more about our expertise in this sector, please visit our Industrial & Manufacturing search practice page.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
